When you’ve only got 48 hours to spend in Orlando, Florida, look beyond the city’s world-famous theme parks. As a Central Florida resident for more than 25 years, I’ve mapped out a two-day itinerary highlighting local gems to answer the question, what to do in Orlando…
DAY 1:
EXPLORE THE OUTDOOR
Pick the adventure that suits your style, whether you want to bike along the 22-mile West Orange Trail, take a nature hike in Tibet-Butler Preserve, go birding at Orlando Wetlands Park, or spot manatees at Blue Springs State Park (November through March).
SNAP PICS OF ORLANDO’S MURALS
Grab your camera and capture dozens of brightly colored murals splashed across Orlando neighborhoods. From angel wings (Lake Nona) and Ruth Bader Ginsberg (Thornton Park) to a giant orange (Milk District) and a beautiful bird (Mills 50), eye-catching public art colors the area.
HOP IN AN ICONIC SWAN BOAT
In the heart of downtown, Lake Eola draws visitors wanting to peddle a swan-shaped paddleboat around the lake and its vibrant centerpiece fountain. Afterwards, meander along the two-mile trail, a popular spot for locals walking their dogs and enjoying a lake-side lunch.
TAKE IN A SHOW
Serving as a downtown Orlando entertainment hub, the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts features Broadway hits, comedy shows, opera, symphony, and dance performances. For a more intimate experience, try the Timucua Arts Foundation with a year-round slate of concerts, poetry readings, open-mic nights, and art programs.
EAT AND DRINK LOCAL
Refuel at Boxi Park—an enclave of counter-serve restaurants fashioned out of repurposed shipping containers. Tempt your taste buds with tacos, seafood sandwiches, burgers, fried chicken, craft beer, and a full cocktail bar. Open Thursday through Sunday, the space bursts with activity, ranging from live music to special events and sand volleyball. The kids can burn off steam in the playground while your pup can meet a new furry friend in the fenced-in Barxi Park.
DAY 2:
START YOUR DAY WITH WELLNESS
At the Chopra Mind-Body Zone in Lake Nona Performance Club, get your calm on at a soulful sound healing class. Here, you can set an intention, focus on breathing, and sink into the sensory experience of sound bowls, bells, and chimes. Or energize your morning with an aerial yoga class as you perform gentle movements wrapped in silk ribbons suspended from the ceiling.
SOAK IN THE BEAUTY OF HARRY P. LEU GARDENS
Stroll through this 50-acre botanical garden nestled in Orlando’s Audubon Park neighborhood. Wind through the rose garden, butterfly garden, crape myrtles, and bamboo collections. Don’t miss a quick tour of the historic Leu House Museum, built in 1888.
CHECK OUT LOCH HAVEN PARK’S CULTURAL GEMS
Discover a cluster of museums and theaters in this 45-acre cultural park. Art lovers can explore Orlando Museum of Art and Mennello Museum of American Art. Theater lovers can catch a show at Orlando Shakes or the kid-friendly Orlando Family Stage. History buffs can enjoy the quaint Orlando Fire Museum, while science fans can explore three levels of fun at the Orlando Science Center.
TAKE A SUDSY SOAK
Happy hour takes on a whole new meaning at the Original Beer Spa—the first European-style beer spa in the U.S. Located on International Drive, you can book a relaxing soak in a hot tub filled with hops-infused water. Within arm’s reach of the tub, complementary wines and draft beer from local Ivanhoe Park Brewing Co. are yours for the sipping.
EAT AND DRINK LOCAL
Did you know that Orlando boasts nearly four dozen MICHELIN-recognized restaurants? The Pinery delivers a charming, more casual experience while BACÁN provides indulgent, fine dining. And, if you want to lean into the mocktail trend, grab some tasty beverages at The BANDBOX Orlando, the area’s first spirit-free speakeasy.
